Only Hard Problems by Jennifer Estep Series: Galactic Bonds #3
Published by Self-Published on February 20, 2024
Genres: Fantasy Romance
Pages: 198
Format: eBook
Source: Library
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Barnes & Noble, Apple
PROBLEMS, PROBLEMS EVERYWHERE . . .
My name is Zane Zimmer. To most folks, I live a seemingly charmed life as a Regal lord and the heir apparent to the powerful, wealthy House Zimmer, and the gossipcasts breathlessly follow my every swaggering move across the Archipelago Galaxy. I’m also a powerful psion capable of telekinesis, telepathy, and telempathy, and my deadly skills and prowess with my stormsword have made me the golden boy of the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite fighting force.
But even golden boys have bad days, and the truth is I have more hard problems than I can solve.
The Techwave is building weapons to use against the Arrows in hopes of toppling the Imperium and taking over the galaxy. But even more worrisome is the fact that my old rival Kyrion Caldaren has a powerful new ally in Vesper Quill. Together, the two of them just might destroy everything I’ve sworn to protect.
I’m supposed to be relaxing with the other Regals during the Summer Solstice celebration, but when an enemy threatens the festivities, I’m forced to leap into action. As an Arrow, I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my family and the other Regals, even though my actions will cause only more problems—and just might end up being the death of me . . .
With the whole galaxy in an uproar over their shocking True Bond and work to thwart the TechWave, Vesper and Kyrion and lying low with a manhunt on to find them. Zane should be riding high on Kyrion’s downfall with Lord Callus Holloway that makes Zane the head of The Arrows and his first order is to find Vesper and Kyrion, but a dark family secret is revealed to him and his grandmother’s matchmaking leave him frustrated and conflicted.
Only Hard Problems is the third Galactic Bonds installment and part of an exciting, entertaining Space Opera saga that must be read in order.
Only Hard Problems took Zane’s point of view and showed the inner turmoil he feels because he’s torn in two directions all the time. He’s been an anti-hero and only concerned- or so it seemed- about one-upping Kyrion so it was interesting getting a deep delve into his thoughts and motives.
He’s learned the truth about Vesper, but can’t see how he can do the right thing because his choices are hard either way. Zane is also frustrated because his security concerns and measures aren’t being taken seriously and the TechWave are preparing to spring some rather nasty traps. He’s resisting his grandmother’s matchmaking efforts to court Asterin and he’s resisting the charge of energy between them just as she is because they are on opposing sides when it comes to the True Bonds, but they most definitely feel the same about the TechWave.
Only Hard Problems was a fast read and takes a side track to show what’s happening away from Kyrion and Vesper before returning to their perspective. It was open-ended after Zane and Asterin’s shared adventure and his confrontation over Zimmer family secrets. I am excited to see what comes next. Space Opera fans should definitely add Galactic Bonds series to the list.
About Jennifer Estep
Jennifer Estep is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author prowling the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea.
Jennifer writes the Crown of Shards epic fantasy series. She also writes the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series and the Black Blade young adult urban fantasy series. Jennifer also the author of the Bigtime paranormal romance series and Mythos Academy young adult urban fantasy series.
As a lifelong reader, it was inevitable that Sophia would discover book blogs and the joy of blog reviewing.Sophia is a prolific reader and audiobook listener which allows her to experience so many wonderful books, authors, and narrators.Few genres are outside her reading tastes, but her true love is fiction particularly history, mystery, sci-fi, and romance.Though, sorry, no horror or she will run like Shaggy and Scooby.
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I think I would like this one.
I’ve really gotten into this series and enjoyed getting to know Zane better in this particular installment.
Happy to hear this installment was a good one! I would like to try this series at some point as I enjoy space opera sci-fi!
Yes, it will be fun and waiting for you. 🙂
Yayy! Love a deep dive of a character!
You said it, Carole!
I NEEEEEED Zane’s HEA!!!
You and me both. I thought for a brief minute that the last one would advance that, but I saw very little more than was shown in this one. Maybe the newest release… 🙂
I have to go back and find your review for book 2. How interesting this one has Zane’s pov, from the first book he did seem very one dimensional in his motivations, so it sounds fun how this book gives him more depth. Hopefully these plot lines surrounding Zane get resolved in future books or do you think he gets another book from his point of view later?
Here you go: https://booksofmyheart.net/2025/08/20/only-good-enemies-by-jennifer-estep/
I did like getting Zane’s side. I’ve read book four now and waiting for book five. Book four was back to Vesper and Kyrion’s POV, but Zane was there. I’m not sure if he’ll get a whole book again, but I wouldn’t mind. 🙂
I really do need to give this author a try. Great review!
I second that, Lisa! I waited so long and I’m glad I finally took the plunge. 🙂